"Take it back!" At the same moment Rhodes sprang and caught him, but not quite in time.

The tip of Gordon's fingers as he slapped at Ferdy just reached the latter's cheek and left a red mark there.
"Take it back," he said again between his teeth as Rhodes flung his arm around him.
For answer Ferdy landed a straight blow in his face, making his nose bleed and his head ring.
"Take that!" Gordon struggled to get free, but in vain.

Rhodes with one arm swept Wickersham back.

With the other he held Gordon in an iron grip.

"Keep off, or I will let him go," he said.
The boy ceased writhing, and looked up into the young man's face.